Bengaluru
In response to the debate over the Valmiki Development Corporation in the Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah addressed allegations of resignation demands from R. Ashoka and BY Vijayendra. He questioned Araga Gyanendra’s call to reinstate the SIT, probing if similar sentiments were expressed during Gyanendra’s tenure as Home Minister. Siddaramaiah highlighted the suicide of Chandrasekhar on May 26, a member of the Bhovi community from Tamil Nadu, which has been extensively discussed by the opposition focusing on Dalit issues.
The Chief Minister emphasized the constitutional provision for Scheduled Castes, constituting 24.1 percent of the population, stressing that their development is pivotal for achieving societal equality. He underscored the role of various development corporations, including those for Valmiki, Bovi, Adijambhava, and Minority Development, aimed at enhancing economic strength within these communities.
Siddaramaiah noted his administration’s enactment of the SCP/TSP Act in December 2013, mandating that 24.1 percent of development funds be allocated for these communities. He countered R. Ashok’s allegations, citing them as based solely on media reports during parliamentary sessions lasting three hours and four minutes.
The Chief Minister criticized the BJP’s lack of implementation of the SCSP/TSP Act at both the central and state levels despite claiming concern for Scheduled Communities. He concluded by urging collective responsibility in addressing persisting inequalities even after seven decades of the constitution’s existence.
